SeaBeLife Appoints Renowned AMD Expert Professor Eric Souied to Scientific Committee
Roscoff, France – February 25, 2026 – SeaBeLife, a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments targeting regulated cell death pathways, today announced the appointment of Professor Eric Souied to its scientific committee. This strategic addition aims to bolster the company’s ophthalmology program, particularly its research into Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Professor Souied’s Expertise
Professor Souied is an internationally recognized ophthalmologist and expert in AMD, maculopathies, and ophthalmic surgery, including both retinal and cataract procedures. He currently serves as the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Intercommunal Hospital of Créteil and Henri Mondor Hospital in Créteil, France. His research focuses on the genetics, imaging, and treatments of AMD [1]. He has authored over 580 peer-reviewed articles in the field [3], including identifying the first genetic polymorphism linked to AMD in 1998 [2].
SeaBeLife’s Focus on Cell Death Pathways
SeaBeLife’s ophthalmological program uniquely targets two key forms of programmed cell death: necroptosis and ferroptosis. Professor Souied will guide the scientific direction of this program, providing expertise on the cell death mechanisms involved in retinal degeneration and the role of lipid metabolism in AMD [1]. He will also advise on clinical positioning, target populations (including early-onset forms and geographic atrophy), regulatory strategy, and clinical objectives.
Ferroptosis and Latest Therapeutic Strategies
“Understanding the mechanisms governing ferroptosis and their connection with lipids on the retinal pigment epithelium allows us to explore new therapeutic strategies,” said Professor Souied. “SeaBeLife’s unique approach is scientifically coherent within this changing field of knowledge and is worthy of development. I am delighted with this opportunity to contribute my expertise in the field and join its scientific committee.” [1]
Promising Preclinical Results
SeaBeLife is developing a platform of innovative molecules designed to simultaneously target necroptosis and ferroptosis. In early 2025, the company reported promising preclinical efficacy results for SBL03 in geographic atrophy, a severe form of dry AMD [1]. Geographic atrophy affects 8 million people worldwide and is expected to reach 10 million by 2040 [1]. Currently, there are no approved medications for dry AMD in Europe.
Strategic Importance of the Appointment
“The arrival of Professor Eric Souied constitutes a crucial step for SeaBeLife,” stated Morgane Rousselot, PhD, president and co-founder of SeaBeLife. “His unparalleled international expertise in AMD and his mechanistic vision of retinal degeneration processes reinforce the scientific strength of our program, particularly around the key role of ferroptosis, oxidative stress, necroptosis and inflammation in geographic atrophy. This program is strategic for SeaBeLife, and we are continuing discussions with potential partners to develop it.” [1]